Hello All,

I've never owned a hand gun beforebut I'd like to purchase a 9mm now (9mmseems to be the natural place to start with my first hand gun).

I'm looking for a value purchase here. Nothing too expensive, but I also don't want to get stuck with a hunk of junk. I don't necessarily need it to be a conceal and carry. Right now I'm just trying to get used to hand guns.

Thank you!

id actually go with a 22lr for a first hand gun. cheap ammo. easy to learn with..fun to plink with...and no recoil or anything..10$ for a brick of shells and your shooting all weekend. i have a browning buckmark and i love it. dad has a ruger mark II and its just as good..can pick either one up for 2-300 new..shooting a pistol is something that takes practice and learning...

Thanks for the input mauser06. It probably does make sense to get a.22lr for shooting around.

I still think I'd like to get a 9mm now too. Is there one that your would suggest?

Glock 17, Springfield XD, or a Kimber(little expensive).

So far based on internet research and asking here it seems to get a nice quality firearm such as a 9mm you are looking at around $500 or more anything less seems to be sub quality. Well at least so far other then the Kahr any pistol I researched that was around the $400 range was hit and miss on quality. I am strongly looking at a glock 19 for a 9mm or glock 23 for a .40 S&W. Both of them are around $500 but get really great reviews. The Kahr CW9 so far get's really good reviews as well, and only downfall is low compacity clips.

I've definitely heard of the Glock 17 and 19. But I've never heard of the Kahr CW9. Is it as reliable as a Glock? Its definitely a budget priced gun which is nice.

As far as the Glocks, how do you guys feel about the trigger safety? Makes me a little nervous, but maybe that's just because I've never used a hand gun before.

My first recommendations would beSig orH&K. However their prices are going to be higher than you said you wanted to spend. I would go to as many different gun shops as I could and put my hands on as many different weapons as I could. This is the only way you can evaluate how each weapon feels to you.

I would recommend a Springfield XD or the Glock, abit on the pricy side but I think after spending the money you would thank yourself later on

oh and as to Glock/Springfields trigger/grip safety, I LOVE!!! it. That was a good reason in my purchase. It's my carry weapon and should I ever have to deploy it, the time it takes to flip off the safety, might be enough time for someone else to get a shot off at me. I have never heard of any problems with the safeties and I trust my XD-40's safety features with my life. I've tried to make it missfire and cant.

You might want to avoid the Glock and the trigger safety if it makes you uncomfortable, especially for a first hand-gun.I like it, but some people don't. Take a look at the XD, I think they have an actual safety, but I'm not 100% sure. Beretta's have a regular safety and a de-cocker, might want to take a look at them too, can usually get them used for a decent price.

Springfield XD is a great value.. Another nice gun but a bit more money is the Walther P99...

Might be tempting but I would stay away from the High Point, just my thoughts though..